Smart is bringing back its iconic two-seat city car with the upcoming all-electric smart #2, and the company has chosen an unconventional way to reveal its latest EV. Instead of a traditional auto show debut, Smart has unveiled the vehicle’s design through large-scale street murals created across major cities around the world.
The global art campaign offers the clearest look yet at the production version of the smart #2 ahead of its official world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026. The new compact EV marks the return of the brand’s legendary urban runabout while introducing a more premium design direction for the electric era.
The smart #2 murals, created in cities including Berlin, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and Melbourne, reveal a production model that closely follows the styling themes introduced by the Concept #2.
Designed by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team, the new two-seater keeps the familiar compact proportions of previous smart models while adding a more modern and upscale appearance. The vehicle features a short hood, rounded fenders, a tall cabin, and a compact footprint optimized for crowded urban environments.
At the front, the production model appears to adopt a revised shark-nose design, a ventilated grille area, and vertical air curtains instead of the concept’s more futuristic lighting elements. The sides feature smooth, sculpted surfaces, aerodynamic wheels, proper door handles, and an available contrasting black roof.
The rear design remains partially hidden, but early previews suggest circular taillights, a pronounced roof spoiler, a conventional liftgate, and a black lower bumper area. The overall design combines the playful character of earlier smart models with the more refined styling seen in the brand’s latest electric vehicles.
Compact Dimensions, Electric Platform and City-Focused Performance
The smart #2 is being developed as a dedicated electric city car designed to maximize maneuverability without sacrificing premium features. The model will ride on Smart’s Electric Compact Architecture and is expected to offer an ideal solution for dense urban environments.
Early information points to a battery pack of around 35.7 kWh, delivering approximately 186 miles (300 km) of range. When connected to a DC fast charger, the battery could recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, although Smart has not yet confirmed final charging specifications.
Measuring approximately 109.9 inches (2,792 mm) in length, the smart #2 remains extremely compact while being slightly larger than the previous-generation Fortwo. Its estimated turning circle of just 22.8 feet (6.95 meters) highlights its focus on city driving and tight parking spaces.
Smart says the new model will continue the brand’s core DNA: a minimal footprint, strong safety standards, and agile driving characteristics. The company aims to deliver a premium experience in a vehicle designed specifically for modern urban mobility.
Smart Combines Automotive Design With Street Culture
The smart #2 mural campaign reflects the brand’s long-standing connection with art. The name smart itself comes from the combination of Swatch, Mercedes, and Art, and the company is using this heritage to create a global cultural showcase.
The murals were developed through collaborations between the Mercedes-Benz design team and local artists, including Martín Ron, Georgia Laurie, Zhu Bin, and the Parents Parents collective.
Each city provides a different interpretation of the upcoming EV. Shanghai blends traditional influences with modern urban energy, while Hong Kong highlights the advantages of an ultra-compact vehicle in one of the world’s most crowded cities. Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Berlin, and Paris bring additional cultural perspectives to the campaign.
The initiative follows Smart’s “Change of Perspectives” philosophy, moving beyond traditional vehicle reveals and transforming public spaces into open-air automotive galleries.
Smart #2 Expected to Arrive in 2027
The smart #2 will officially debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026, where Smart is expected to reveal full technical details, pricing, interior features, and market availability.
While early reports suggest a starting price around €20,000 ($23,000), final pricing and regional availability have not yet been confirmed. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
With the return of the smart two-seater, the brand is aiming to revive one of the most recognizable urban vehicles while adapting it for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. The smart #2 could become one of the most distinctive small EVs available for city drivers seeking efficiency, premium design, and maximum maneuverability.
